Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.
via ALA's Office of Intellectual Freedom
Censorship
by the Numbers
Books unite us. They reach across boundaries and build connections between readers. Censorship, on the other hand, divides us and creates barriers. In 2021, 1,597 books were affected by censorship attempts.
Who Initiates Challenges?
39% Parents
24% Patrons
18% Board/ administration
10% Political/religious groups
6% Librarians/ teachers
2% Elected officials
1% Students
Where Do Challenges Take Place?
44% School libraries
37% Public libraries
18% Schools
1% Academic/Other
Books and Beyond
The ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges | in 2021. Here's the breakdown:
82% Books, graphic novels and textbooks
5% Programs, meeting rooms
4% Displays, exhibits
2% Films
7% Other (includes filtering, access, databases, magazines, online social media, music, pamphlets, student publications, reading lists)
Escaping Censorship
Below are escape rooms based on challenged or banned books. Choose one to escape!